August 27, 1946 - December 11, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim Howard on December 11, 2021 at the age of 75.
Jim was born in Montreal, Quebec to loving parents Fred and Doreen Howard. He grew up in Montreal where he attended University and Tech. School.
He was predeceased by his younger brother Gary, killed in a hit and run, then his father Fred, and lastly his mother Doreen.
He got married in 1968 and had a son in 1970 who he named Gary after his late brother.
Late in the seventies Jim headed out west to Vancouver and in 1977 met his wife to be, Nikki and her three children. They were married in 1980 and he happily took on the roll of Dad and treated the children as if they were born to him. In 2009 with the children all grown, married and well out on their own the empty nesters moved to Campbell River.
Jim had a very diverse career path and always inspired others to know that it's ok to try different things, to follow your heart and to never stop chasing after what you want, to do what brings you joy, and to always do your very best.
A cross section of some of the positions he held were: President of his own company, Creative Occasions and Events, where he even developed skills as a clown and a magician, Train and Guest Services Manager (On Board) for Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours, Front of House Manager/Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator Gateway Theatre, Richmond, Managing Director Community Arts Council of Richmond, Audience Service Manager Arts Club Revue Theatre, National Program Coordinator for Tetra Society Disability Foundation, Theatre and Entertainment Manager for Great Canadian, River Rock Casino, Richmond.
He then retired along with his wife, Nikki and they enjoyed travelling to La Quinta, Palm Springs Area, California annually where he spent most days on the lovely golf course and meeting and making some new and forever friends.
After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2012 and having surgery which left him with a permanent colostomy, one year later he was declared cancer free. So the couple resumed their visits to sunny California, their home away from home for a few more years.
Then in 2018 the cancer came back and attacked his bladder. The past three years have been a never ending uphill battle with several medical procedures done to try and rid his body of this dreadful disease.
However, in October 2021 a CT scan revealed that the cancer had spread to his liver, lymph nodes and other places. Jim was always a very strong man and a fighter, but after an arduous and courageous battle that lasted so long he just ran out of strength. He passed away peacefully and out of pain at home with his wife where he wanted to be.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 41 years, Nikki, his son Gary, his spouse and family, Jims "adopted family" Bill, Janet and John, their spouses and a total of 11 grandchildren, his brother in law Arny, his wife Carole and their family, his cousins Neal, Val and their respective families, as well as many friends that he made along his life's journey.
Jim will be sadly missed by all those he touched and his memory will always be cherished.
The family would like to thank Doctors Proctor, Juszkiewicz, Tinmouth, Zorn and Farias as well as all the nurses in Campbell River Palliative care, North Team. You are all very special people!
A celebration of Jims life will be announced at a later date, in the spring.